Holiday Dos and Donts

We are in the time of the year many love to love, or hate: the holidays. With crowded shopping malls, traffic and wish lists it could drive one crazy during this festive time. Find out my holiday do’s and don’ts this season.

Enjoy the Season of Good Cheer

In a recent poll by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, nearly three-fourths of people reported feeling more anxious or depressed during the holiday season. “You definitely want to bring out the best in you when you are with your family and close friends,” said student Bryan Mobley. Tis the season to be jolly so don’t be a downer during the holidays. Student Alexander James said “You’re just killing everyone else’s vibe.” Christmas tunes and movies can put a person in the spirit. During this time it is hard to escape them on the radio and on TV. Personally, nothing can compare to The Temptation’s rendition of Silent Night and Stevie Wonder’s What Christmas Means to Me. 


Budget

The National Retail Federation said the average amount shoppers spend is $737.95 on gifts, decor and other holiday items. If overspending is a problem, it is important to stick to a holiday budget. “There are plenty of ways to get around spending a lot of money and still having great quality things, especially now with different budgeting apps,” Mobley said. Buying luxury gifts or brands could have one staring wide-eyed at the receipts. Don’t go filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy during the holidays. Especially since I am still in school, a budget is definitely something I am sticking to.


Try Something New

Is there a new recipe, new haircut or style that you’ve been anxious to try? During the holidays would be a great time to upgrade your style or cooking recipes. “I think that the worst thing that could happen is that you throw it away so try everything once or twice,” said student Temily Wardlaw. As for me, I’m on the hunt for a velvet dress. Nothing screams holidays like a velvet dress in a dark color. I am also planning to try a new hairstyle. We’ll see how this goes. Why not spice things up during the holiday?


Use the Internet for Different Ideas

This could go either way, depending on the person. The Internet can be your best friend during the holidays. On the Web, social media sites such as pinterest.com or wanelo.com are some of my favorites. They offer an abundance of gift ideas and shopping websites. However, some people prefer adding personal touches on their gifts. James said “Let’s be original. Try to think of something that caters to one person from your own mind,” he said.


Make Room in the Closet

“By make room I don’t mean throw away, unless you are giving to the needy. You can always invest in little storage containers or bins to slide underneath your bed,” Wardlaw said. However, be willing to trade in those unused clothes for this season’s must-haves for those chilly days out and about. ELLE magazine said peacoats and boots shoes such a over-the-knee boots or ankle boots are essential this season. Warm and comfy sweaters and knits are safe. Suits, formfitting dresses or flare dresses are key pieces for those holiday parties. 


Last Minute Shopping

Some shoppers try to avoid it, but it always happens and if you haven't gone shopping yet, then this is for you. Retail sales were through the roof during Thanksgiving weekend. With commercial holidays such as Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday there was ample time to get your Christmas shopping completed, especially on a budget. Last year the National Retail Federation reported that as of Dec. 9, nearly 32 million people had not gone shopping yet. Don’t be that person caught red-handed out and about doing your shopping last minute. James said people should shop sporadically year-round instead of trying to buy gifts all at once. “When you see it, get it. You are more sure no one will be disappointed or empty-handed,” he said. Plus traffic is hectic during this time. Don’t be that road raged shopper during rush hour trying to find last minute gifts.


Appreciate Diversity

Jesus Christ and Santa Claus are not the only figures being celebrated throughout the month of December. “Christmas isn’t the only thing going on. It’s good to relate to a different religion or culture during these times. There are numerous religions celebrating something,” James said. According to religioustolerance.org, Bodhi Day and Omisoka are holidays celebrated around this time. Buddhists acknowledge Bodhi Day as the day Buddha received enlightenment. Omisoka is a popular Japanese holiday where families perform a big clean up in their homes so they will bring in the new year clean and tidy.


Overlook/Overbook Yourself

While in the giving and social mood, don’t shortchange yourself. “You want to tell yourself you had an amazing year. Let me award myself with this small token. You also don’t want to put too much work on yourself,” Mobley said. Also, don’t overwhelm yourself. You can’t attend every event. Simply don’t forget the simple things Mobley said.